SARASOTA, FL - August 22, 2022 Jack
Davis was born in Marion, Ohio May 25,1936 to Harold Davis and Bessie (Leeper)
Davis, Jack married Dixie Whitehill on June 27,1956 and later married Suzanne
Zattau Gorenflo on November 14, 1969. Jack and Dixie have two daughters: Cheri
Davis of Sarasota, Florida, Cindy Price of LaRue. Jack also has one step
son,Denny Gorenflo. Grandchildren: Carissa Potts, Sarasota, Justin Price, LaRue
and Jon Price, Marion. Several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and his
special dog, Bear Jack was a hardworking man and never sat still: His careers
include the Marion Star, Marion Correctional Institution, Hap’s Sohio, N&
MHeating and Cooling, City of Sarasota and City of Venice. Hismost recent job
was for the Suncoast Blood Bank. A simple man who didn’t like pretension.
Someone who worked to live, and didn’t care about a fancy job title (hence
several careers over the course of his life). Life to him was meant to be
enjoyed.
He
loved everything about the Erie Railroad and was so proud of his father as an
Engineer and of his brother Larry, for all of their work for the Railroad. He
would share railroad stories and about his childhood in Marion, Ohio, from the
woods on Barks Road to Crystal Lake, and Owens Quarry. Most of his stories
involved his brother Larry and his nephew, Fred Jones. They must have been
three ornery kids growing up! His niece, Diane Hasson and sister-in-law, Linda
Davis as well as many family members enjoyed the stories over the years.
In
his younger years it was a frequent adventure with his daughters and several
family members toHemlock Falls, Mohican for hiking and canoeing, skating at
Hy-Way Rollerena, sledding, horseback riding, and ice skating at McKinley Park.
You always knew it was going to be adventurous and fun!
In
Sarasota he was a certified scuba diver and enjoyed boating and swimming. At
the age of 84, he was faithfully swimming a mile three times each week and you
did not want to interrupt his rhythm!
His
happy place in more recent years was truly his backyard in Sarasota as his
nephew, Greg Haas, shared a plaque stating just that as he proudly displayed.
Jack
attended FiteMemorial Baptist Church in his younger years and was involved in
many youth groups over the years. In his older years he found spirituality in
the beauty of nature.
He
was stubborn as a mule but truly made lemons turn into lemonade
throughouthislifenomatterwhatthesituation. Jackwasintriguedbynew inventions and
proud of his family. He once drove from Florida to Ohio just to see his
grandsons play a basketball tournament game. When the game was over, he drove
back to Florida. He became a loyal Florida Gator fan when his granddaughter
attended college. Jack completed a family genealogy book for the descendants of
Harold and Bessie Leeper Davis. This book includes numerous stories from family
members growing up in Marion and will be forever cherished.
Jack
always thought he could help make the world a better place. He was a hardcore
democrat his entire life. Nearly every one of his sibling’s descendants have
been actively involved in social justice - and we are all proud of this.
Jack
is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Larry Davis, ZelmaHaas, Lloyd
Davis, Bob Davis, Betty Ratcliff and son in laws Rich *Dick* Potts and Terry
Price.
He
wanted absolutely no “fanfare” as he stated and to honor Jack Davis have a
drink at your favorite happy place and if in Sarasota, visit Myakka State Park.
He always said too many people visit Florida for its theme parks and beaches
and miss so much of what Florida has to offer in its history, nature and
wildlife. He ALWAYS found a way to make any situation fun so turn your lemons
into lemonade and enjoy every minute! His line: Be good buddy and take care of
yourself!
